Homemade Bread You’ll Never Stop Makin
After this recipe, you will no longer buy bread — you’ll make it yourself at home.
Introduction
There is something deeply satisfying about baking your own bread. The aroma, the texture, and the knowledge of exactly what goes into it make homemade bread truly special. This simple, reliable recipe produces a soft, flavorful loaf with a golden crust — so good and easy that once you try it, store-bought bread will no longer tempt you.
Ingredients & Quantities
4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1⅓ cups (320 ml) warm water
4¾ cups (570 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water and dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add Oil and Salt
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or rolls, and place on a baking tray or into a loaf pan.
Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Origin
Bread-making dates back over 10,000 years, with early versions found in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Simple yeast breads like this one reflect traditional home baking, relying on basic ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Cultural Significance
Bread is a universal symbol of nourishment, hospitality, and life itself. Across cultures, baking bread at home represents care, patience, and connection — often bringing families together around the kitchen table.
Description
This bread is soft and fluffy on the inside with a lightly crisp, golden crust. The olive oil adds a subtle richness and aroma, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.
Optional Additions
Seeds (sesame, sunflower, flax)
Herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
Garlic or onion powder
Whole wheat flour (replace up to 30%)
Olives or grated cheese
Tips for Success
Water should be warm, not hot, to activate yeast
Knead well for proper texture
Allow enough time for rising
Bake until fully golden for best flavor
Let bread cool before slicing to avoid gumminess
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per slice, based on 12 slices)
Calories: 190 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: Moderate
Conclusion
This homemade bread proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Once you experience the taste and satisfaction of baking it yourself, buying bread will feel unnecessary.
Recommendation
Serve fresh with butter, olive oil, soups, or homemade spreads. Ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or family meals.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Making bread at home allows you to control ingredients, reduce additives, and enjoy food more mindfully. This recipe is a beautiful balance between comfort, tradition, and wholesome nourishment.
If you’d like, I can also:
Convert this into no-knead or whole-wheat versions
Create a social-media-ready caption
Turn it into a printable recipe card
